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Day: 23 February 2019

One Monte Carlo luxury complex inaugurated

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/02/2019
Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella at the inauguration

Monaco’s elaborate new complex One Monte Carlo has been inaugurated, four years after the controversial demolition of the Sporting d’Hiver. Overlooking the world-famous Casino Square and boasting no less than 23 luxury stores, the residential complex lines a brand new promenade dedicated to Princess Charlene.

Prince Albert, together with Princess Charlene and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, officially opened One Monte Carlo on Friday. Also present were a host of dignitaries and personalities including Pierre Casiraghi and Michael Wittstock.

Among big name brands to reside in the 60,000 square metre development are Louis Vuitton, Celine, Akris, Fendi, Chanel, Prada, Fred, Lanvin, Dior and Yves Saint-Laurent. They all line the new Princess Charlene Promenade, which the South African native proudly unveiled during the inauguration. There are seven buildings in total housing 37 luxury apartments, ranging from two rooms to a six room penthouse with rooftop terrace and private pool, all with stunning views of Place du Casino, gardens, sea, port and the Prince’s Palace. Offices and a new congress centre complete Monaco’s newest neighbourhood.

Promenade Princess Charlene runs perpendicular to Avenue des Beaux Arts, forming a pedestrian only zone that is lined with palm trees.

There are 7 buildings that make up One Monte Carlo
There are 7 buildings that make up One Monte Carlo

In 2008, Prince Albert authorised SBM to demolish the Sporting d’Hiver, a 1930’s building designed in the Beaux Arts architectural style, and erect postmodern buildings instead. It was a very controversial decision that was protested by many Monegasque subjects and residents. In June 2015, the building came down despite the discontent.

With 23 luxury brands concentrated within the complex, combined with other prestigious stores that already exist in the square, SBM has strengthened its position as one of the most unique shopping experiences in the world.

 

It’s playtime with MAGIC Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/02/2019
MAGIC is now in its 5th edition

Cosplayers and gaming fans will converge on the Principality in early March for the annual Monaco Anime Game International Conference, otherwise known as ‘MAGIC’.

MAGIC is now in its 5th edition
MAGIC is now in its 5th edition

The one-day event is dedicated to several worlds – manga, comics, animation, video games and pop culture. There arevarious conferences and round-table debates with famous international game designers, producers, screenwriters and illustrators interacting with the audience.

A highlight will be the cosplay contest, featuring some of the world’s greatest performers – the Magic International Cosplay Masters. MAGIC is also organising a unique video game contest, awarding the winner with a 100,000 euro prize investment toward their project.

There will also be a manga contest in partnership with Shueisha and in collaboration with Shibuya International.

The 5thedition of MAGIC will be held at the Grimaldi Forum on the 9 th March. Entrance is free but prior registration is needed at: www.magic-ip.com

Monaco’s Confidentia brings face recognition to Nice Carnival

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/02/2019
Confidentia is a cybersecurity company that was founded and is based in Monaco.

Monegasque cybersecurity company Confidentia is behind a pioneering new facial recognition system that was trialled during Nice’s largest public event of the year. In what’s believed to be a first for France, the company’s advanced security software was tested in public at the Nice Carnival, with 1,000 people taking part in the experiment.

Confidentia is a cybersecurity company that was founded and is based in Monaco.
Confidentia is a cybersecurity company that was founded and is based in Monaco.

The city of Nice received authorisation from the Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés (CNIL) to test the facial recognition system in public. For two days on the 19thand 20thFebruary, the software ‘Any Vision’ was installed at the grounds of the Nice Carnival. Six video surveillance cameras were positioned around the test perimeter and different scenarios were enacted, including a lost child in a crowd, a vulnerable old person who was also lost, and a person “of interest”.

According to Jean-Philippe Claret, CEO of Confidentia, ‘Any Vision’ can recognise a person from a photo that is 30 years old, or can recognise the passing side profile of a person, even if the picture provided is front view.

Supervised by the CNIL, the experiment required 1,000 carnival attendees to agree to play the role of “guinea pig”. Video surveillance operators were given their photo and, using the advanced technology, searched for them among the crowd. People who refused to take part had their faces blurred and were not recognisable on the images. It was also mandatory that information panels be displayed during the experiment.

At a recent press conference, Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi said that it was the first time facial recognition software had been allowed to be used in the public domain in France. He has been trying to change legislation on the use of facial recognition since 2016.

Results of this experiment will be submitted to the CNIL within two months. If successful, the software could be rolled out across the country.

Confidentia is a cybersecurity company that was founded and is based in Monaco.